Feds still looking for pieces missing from Nov. 2 crash

The Daily Inter Lake

Dennis Hogenson of the National Safety Transportation Board has asked the public's help in retrieving pieces missing from the Nov. 2 crash of the ALERT helicopter in Kalispell.

Hogenson, an air safety investigator, said the agency had completed only the on-site portion of the investigation.

"We're now focused on a mechanical malfunction," he said, although external factors have not been ruled out.

Hogenson said the engine's high-speed power turbine wheel broke into parts that scattered about the crash site near the helipad on the campus of Kalispell Regional Medical Center. A good portion of the wheel was not recovered.

"More than likely, someone picked it up as souvenir," Hogenson said.

He asked that people who think they may have found parts from the crash to return them - with no questions asked - to the east door of the helicopter hangar.

Although the crash initially has been classified as a catastrophic engine failure, Hogenson said the agency has reached no conclusion yet.

"Typically, an investigation spans six months," he said. "This is a fairly complex investigation."

After partial disassembly, investigators shipped the engine to Indianapolis where it was manufactured. Hogenson said officials need to get closer to the core of the engine.

"We like to do it in a facility which is somewhat controlled," he said.

The process involves experts from five or six companies which manufactured parts and pieces of the helicopter.

Since the crash, the hospital has searched for a Bell 206L helicopter to lease. Negotiations are under way with a company in Texas and another in North Dakota.

Hospital spokesman Jim Oliverson said the medical center hopes to have the replacement helicopter in the Flathead next week. However, he said the leased ship will no doubt need retrofits added such as radio equipment.

The short week, caused by the Thanksgiving holiday, may delay the outfitting process.

"We hope to have the helicopter up no later than the fourth of December," Oliverson said. "We wish it could be sooner."

Oliverson said he didn't know the financial impact of leasing a helicopter while a replacement is secured. If allowed by the manufacturer, rebuilding the old helicopter appears to be the quickest and most cost-effective option.

A new helicopter would cost more than $2 million. With existing orders, the company could not deliver a new craft until 2009.

"It's a very popular ship," Oliverson said.

He said the Bell 206L frame was shipped to British Columbia for testing for soundness. Oliverson said that Bell must re-certify the frame.

Since the crash eliminated helicopter rescues, Oliverson said the hospital has had to refer some calls for help to other services available through Missoula and Great Falls.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.